hello there,

just taken on a new allotment in Pleasant Place, South Harrow (which, incidentally is almost entirely empty - and very overgrown!). having cut back most of the brambles, we discovered an Ants Nest - Red ants by the look of it.

what should we do? we want to be humane and organic.

If you want to be humane then leave them there  :D

Otherwise - I use boiling water but this will be a bit difficult on an allotment.

You could dig the nest up and put it in a bucket. If you get the majority of the eggs out (you may be lucky and get the queen) then go and empty it somewhere in and unused corner (that'll be all four then) of the site. Once most the eggs and the queen are gone the other ants should eventually go away and start again.

Incidentally, Harrow in LEAF are looking for a Representitve on that site and have been fighting to get some interest. They have got the water reinstated and are trying to get the council to clear off the site and make it fit for use again after years of neglect.

They will be holding a show on The August Bank Holiday (see the website) - come down and search them out (Tell them you're from pleasant place - Mike Beech should be a good one to say hello to).

Many thanks for that.

boiling water may be a good option but I will have to wait until I have built my shed, got a camping stove and make a nice cup of tea! I will see how angry they get putting them in a bucket; I've already been half eaten clearing the brambles.

I will definitely put myself forward as site rep at the show. I asked the council to reinstate the water and the fencing before I would start cultivating; and they did! I had been led to believe that Harrow were not a very effective council so was expecting the worst. I am glad to have been proved wrong on this occasion.

cheers.